Kerala allocates ₹3.80 crore for graphene company: Why the state is betting on this wonder material?

In a major move to boost technological growth, the Kerala government on Friday announced the introduction of the Graphene Aurora project in the state budget. This initiative, with a budget allocation of ₹3.80 crore, is set to create a self-sustaining Section 8 company. The company’s goal is to promote the widespread use of graphene, a cutting-edge material, and to nurture innovation in this rapidly emerging field.

A Section 8 company is a non-profit organization in India, focused on promoting arts, commerce, education, charity, sports, science, research, social welfare, and religion. In this case, the Graphene Aurora project will focus on supporting the adoption and commercialization of graphene technology, which has wide-ranging potential across various industries.

Graphene: The ‘Wonder Material’

Graphene has earned the title of a ‘wonder material’ because of its remarkable properties. It is an excellent conductor of both electricity and heat, incredibly lightweight, chemically stable, and flexible. With such qualities, graphene has the potential to transform many industries, from energy to electronics.

One of the most promising uses of graphene is in the development of batteries. Graphene batteries are not only lightweight but also have a high capacity for energy storage. They also offer faster charging times, which could revolutionise electric vehicles and other energy-intensive technologies. By improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries with graphene, we could see a new era of more efficient and longer-lasting energy solutions.

Kerala's graphene pursuit

Kerala is taking practical steps to support graphene research and production through infrastructure projects:

• India Innovation Centre Graphene (IICG): Set up with an investment of ₹94.85 crore at Makers Village in Kochi, the IICG will help bridge the gap between research and commercialization. It will provide state-of-the-art facilities for startups and industries, with the collaboration of the Kerala government, MeitY-GoI, Tata Steel, and the Digital University of Kerala.
• Graphene Production Park: A pilot facility for producing graphene is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) with an investment of ₹237 crore. This project, led by Kerala Digital University and KINFRA, will lay the groundwork for large-scale graphene production in the state.

Graphene offers exciting opportunities for investors:

• Improved Batteries: Graphene’s integration into commercial battery technologies can boost performance and longevity.
• Supercapacitors: Graphene supercapacitors, which can deliver immense power with minimal energy, could transform transportation, including electric vehicles and planes.
• Biomedical Applications: The versatile properties of graphene also make it a promising material for use in medical fields, such as drug delivery and medical devices.

Research

The Kerala government is making sure that the growth of the graphene sector is backed by strong policy support. The 'Graphene-Aurora Program' was launched in August 2023 to accelerate research and commercialization. Graphene is now one of the 22 priority sectors under Kerala’s Industrial Policy 2023, with special incentives available for companies in this field. The state is also preparing a dedicated Graphene Policy to further support research, innovation, and manufacturing.

Two key institutions are at the forefront of this movement:

• Digital University of Kerala: Acts as the nodal agency to guide the development of the graphene sector.
• KINFRA: Serves as the designated agency for infrastructure development, specifically for the Graphene Park.